Unrealism: New Figurative Painting

The oldest art form, figuration, evolves with our changing understanding of human identity. Artists featured here often source imagery from the Internet and incorporate digital techniques into rendering processes with traditional media. Expressionism is located more in the composition than in the paint handling. This collection connects the present moment in painting to the early 1980s emergence of artists and its roots in the practice of painters like Picabia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2019
Publisher: Rizzoli International Publications

Figuration, one of the oldest art forms, has undergone a remarkable transformation as our understanding of human identity evolves. The artists featured in this collection draw inspiration from the vast realm of the internet, harnessing aesthetics developed in the digital sphere. They seamlessly integrate digital techniques and affordances into their rendering processes, resulting in intricate brushstrokes, sharper lines, and vibrant colors. In these works, expressionism takes center stage, manifesting more in the composition than in the meticulous paint handling.

This captivating collection of figurative artworks is accompanied by insightful texts that trace the lineage of painting back to the early 1980s, a period marked by the resurgence of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Francesco Clemente, David Salle, and Julian Schnabel. These visionary artists revitalized the art discourse after the prolonged dissolution of Minimalism and reconnected it with its roots in the practice of painters like Picabia.

Through their innovative approaches, these artists have pushed the boundaries of figuration, creating works that evoke a sense of ambiguity, introspection, and cultural relevance. They challenge traditional notions of representation and explore the complexities of human identity in the digital age. Their contributions to the art world have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of artists to embrace the fusion of technology and artistic expression.

In conclusion, figuration remains a dynamic and evolving art form, shaped by the ever-changing landscape of human identity and the limitless possibilities of digital technology. This collection showcases the remarkable talent of artists who have embraced the digital medium, pushing the boundaries of traditional art practices and creating a new visual language that reflects our contemporary world.

Weight: 2182g
Dimension: 291 x 233 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780847862429